…has changed since Pistoresi’s grandfather grew mushrooms in the Valley. “You can’t farm like grandpa did,” Pistoresi agreed. “There’s too much at stake now—water shortages, labor costs, environmental rules. Today’s…
Southern Agriculture: The Rise of Plantations and Cotton’s Global Impact
Photo by Paul Wuthrich on Unsplash Agriculture in the American South Agriculture in the southern United States developed quite differently from that in the Midwest or New England. While northern…
SOLIX Robotics: Solar-Powered Autonomy for Modern Farmers
…the Modern Labor Challenge Labor shortages remain one of the most significant issues facing farmers. Wetli notes that SOLIX isn’t designed to eliminate labor but to make labor smarter and…
Solinftec’s Taylor Wetli Talks Solar Robotics and the Future of Smart Farming
…is built to optimize input use and reduce dependence on manual labor. “Labor is one of the biggest challenges in agriculture,” he said. “This doesn’t replace people — it helps them work smarter….
How Railroads Transformed American Agriculture in the 1860s
…new age of productivity and expansion. Legacy of the Railroad Era The mid-19th century partnership between railroads and agriculture laid the groundwork for America’s rise as a global agricultural powerhouse….
Inside the World of Agricultural Shipping: A Conversation with Jeff Cox of Best Drayage
…only minimal disruption. Inside the World of Agricultural Shipping: A Conversation with Jeff Cox of Best Drayage Almonds, Pistachios, and Walnuts: A Busy Season for Ag Exports Best Drayage is…
Inside FIRA USA 2025: California’s AgTech Future
…Need for Ag-Tech-Fluent Professionals A major topic of discussion was the changing labor landscape. As older farmworkers retire and fewer young people pursue traditional farm labor roles, automation becomes increasingly…
California Table Grapes: A Strong, High-Quality Season
…fall season has brought another strong showing for California’s table grape industry, with growers reporting consistent quality from start to finish. In a recent conversation with Ag Meter host Nick,…
Ian LeMay Shares California Table Grape Success Story Amid Global Competition
The November 14 edition of the AgNet News Hour featured Ian LeMay, President of the California Table Grape Commission, in a wide-ranging discussion with hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill…
Kings County Farm Bureau Takes on State Water Board Over Groundwater Rights
…agencies from imposing policies that could cripple both agriculture and the broader Kings County economy. Growing Statewide Attention and Support Since the appellate ruling, Ference said calls have poured in…
Homestead Act and America’s Westward Expansion
…labor and perseverance. Families from across the nation, and immigrants from around the world, seized the chance to build new lives on fertile frontier soil. Shaping the American Agricultural Landscape…
The Rise of Plantation Agriculture in Early America
…lasting legacy on American agriculture, influencing land ownership patterns, rural economies, and agricultural exports. Even as modern farming shifted toward mechanization and technology, the historical framework of plantation agriculture continues…
California Agriculture at a Crossroads: Insights from Fresno County Farm Bureau President Ryan Jacobsen
…trending more positively than in recent years. Labor and Freight: Persistent Challenges With Hope for Policy Progress Labor remains a constant concern for California agriculture. The Ag Meter raised the…
Ryan Jacobsen on Farming Through Storms, Labor, and the Future of California Agriculture
…finally bring common-sense reform,” he said. “If we can secure the border, recognize the people already working productively in agriculture, and support fair trade, California can thrive again.” He ended…